The tone all over town is very somber. People are in shock and disbelief. Why? When? Why Mansfield?

As of today, August 3rd, more than half the GM employees in Mansfield have either retired, or taken the early buyout with this past Saturday, August 1st being their final day. Read more in our local paper, if you like, The Mansfield News Journal

If you had over 20 years of service, you were eligible for a nice settlement of 115k. Less than 10 years service, 20k-45k. Not too shabby.

(Hey, they could’ve just posted a closed sign and locked the doors – other companies have done that ‘ya know)

So, now what?

It’ll be interesting to see what people do with the money:

Move to another city and hope for the best.

Invest it.

Wallow in self-pity.

Become a home-based business owner.

Go back to school.

Blow it.

Twenty years ago, this closure would have affected our community like the black plague.

But, today – I feel very differently.

Remember, we live in a GLOBAL economy. It’s time to get creative.

Like my neighbor Chris who’s converting gas or diesel powered cars into efficient hybrids. It’s time to notice our surroundings and take action. Chris Nelson’s website is here if you’d like to know more http://easy2hybrid.com

This is YOUR wake up call for those standing at the cross-roads: This is your second chance to do what you love!

Ask yourself:

what excites you?

what hobbies do you enjoy that could earn you money?

what skills do you have? How could they benefit or serve others and bring in an income?

We shouldn’t allow ourselves to get too comfortable in our ways – the only thing certain is change. Everything is temporary. (Didn’t Dad tell me that once or a hundred times? Yes, he did.)

Yes, change is scary… but you must BELIEVE IN YOURSELF and MOVE FORWARD.

Last night one of my favorite gal pals and I carpooled to our daughter’s basketball game.

She holds a position in public service, and unfortunately, sees the “ugly” side of society all too often. Occasionally, she tends to be cynical – but for the most part – she’s great fun to be around.

I love her dearly, and I revealed a gift and blessing she can share every day of her life, to anyone, anywhere, at any time.

You see, I have this quicky ‘thing’ that I do EVERYDAY. I encourage or compliment 10 PEOPLE every single day. Seriously.

AND, some days – I never leave my house!

On our wild ride down the highway I shared this with her. She responded with a raised eyebrow and asked, “why/how do you do THAT?”

I told her, “Why? because I can and YOU need me to”

How? Explaining further, “being a good mother, friend, lover or member of society is not good enough! We need to ‘step it up’ and TELL people they are. Everyone has something extraordinary about them – so do something extraordinary yourself – TELL THEM!

Here’s a few examples:

a client of mine radiates energy, and lots of it. Each time I speak with her I tell her how thankful I am to serve her because she lifts me up. This woman really gives me a charge!

a classmate who is living his dreams. I admire him for living with intention and doing what makes his heart sing. He inspires me.

the nosy, all-knowing neighbor. I tell her she is appreciated because she “helps my family feel safe” by keeping an eye on the neighborhood. She has purpose from peaking thru the curtains.

bloggers on the internet. Openly sharing ideas and opinions and putting their heart on display for the world to see. I comment so they know they are heard and their expressions are valid.

woman in the grocery store. Appears to be tired and frazzled, but manages her grocery list with a clipboard and carefully checks off every item and notes the cost. Her organizational and planning skills are superb. And she knows it ’cause I just told her!

It’s not hard to be an “encourager”. YOU CAN DO IT!

Today, I challenge you to identify just 5 people you can enourage or compliment. Friends and family count first! See? That was easy. Now, go DO IT!

Today’s world is different that it was even one year ago. We MUST connect, mesh, be open and give. Help our neighbors, watch out for one another because, we were never meant to walk this road thru life alone.

I believe… we all have a unique gift to offer in this lifetime, which will bring us MORE joy, if we share it with others.

I believe… we can solve any problem we encounter, TOGETHER.

I believe… we are capable of far more success than we ever thought, by working TOGETHER.

Years ago, when I worked at Sprint and co-worker became annoyed with my “sunny” attitude. I explained to her that my positive attitude was my way of dealing with negative corporate politics. She said I should stop wearing rose-colored glasses and not be so naive. (I’m still amazed by people who wallow in drama and negativity)

At that time, January 2000, my father had passed away at 53 and I began to question everything about life and the universe as we know it. On mothers day, I attended Crossroads Community Church for the first time and was immediately inspired. My sunny outlook became my intention from then on.

And so, my “Rose-colored God Glasses” became my daily armor against the nasty’s of the world. QUESTION FOR YOU: What is your God-given intention?

What people say about Donna

"This information is great. It is information that I didn't get anywhere else. I liked the nuts and bolts aspect with the reasons why explained as well."
--C.C.

"Donna knows her stuff and knows how to present it!"
--S.G.

"Donna illustrates her authenticity while being very professional. It's no wonder she has a huge following and you can too. I've learned a lot in a very short time. Thank you Donna for sharing your expertise."
-- J.Q.

"Donna you rock. Thanks so much for all the effort you put out to help me with my business"
-- C.C.

"WOW. I never even considered "HOW" I should be following or friending. You clearly spell it out for me. None of the guru's even mention this in their 2-3 hundred dollar seminars. I really love that your calls are SO AFFORDABLE and MEATY!
-- M.C.

"You provided the tools and action steps I need to become successful in social marketing - thank you!"
-- K.Z.

Thank you so much for doing this teleconference! As a newbie to social media, I really learned a lot -- and just may overcome my resistance to getting involved in that world! I apreciate your generosity & experience too
-- B.H.

I enjoyed the class very much! You had great information you provided and it really gave me some insights that i did not have before!
-- H.R.